To further get accurate reading, Michael has his own equipment. “That’s a big thing for me because I can now record important  data in my own backyard and transmit the data to people worldwide."

JUST A HOBBY

For Michael, typhoon forecasting started out just as a hobby. Unlike most forecasters though, he doesn’t have a degree in Meteorology.

What he lacked in formal training though, he made up for years of acquiring knowledge. By first grade, he was already teaching his classmates about typhoon signals. From newspaper cuttings of typhoon reports to attending workshops in PAGASA, Michael soaked up all the information he could lay his hands on.

He eventually took up BS Geography in UP Diliman, a course that he says has helped him more in explaining where typhoons pass.

Like a man possessed, Michael says that when a big storm is headed towards the country, he can stay awake for 48 hours straight. “The adrenaline is there whenever a storm comes.”

Michael says that last year’s Reming was the most memorable for him. “That super typhoon scared me! I often get excited during typhoons but not that one.” He adds that his weather instrument recorded gusts of 190 kph before it was hit by flying debris.

BATTING AVERAGE

Asked about the accuracy of his predictions, Michael says his average would be about 90 to 95 percent. “With typhoon or weather prediction, it’s a must that you learn all elements affecting a typhoon before you can forecast."

Sometimes though, forecasting comes to him instinctively. “It’s a gut feel. I can already look at the satellite and instantly know if there’s a storm brewing,” he shares. Michael cites the recent Typhoon Dodong, which he reported a day ahead of all the weather agencies.